Le « panafricanisme » expliqué à mon fils

Au moment où l’Afrique en général, et le Ghana, en particulier, s’apprêtent à célébrer le centenaire de la naissance d’un des grands hommes politiques de l’Afrique contemporaine, je voudrais, en réponse à mon fils, examiner ces questions : quelle réception peut-on faire aujourd’hui du panafricanisme ? Que sont devenus les grands idéologues de ce mouvement ? L’Afrique a-t-elle encore une chance de rayonner un jour ? Chacun peut continuer la liste des questions. Comme chacun sait, du moins, je suppose, Kwame Nkrumah est né le 21 septembre 1909 et est incontestablement une des figures centrales du panafricanisme. Pendant que j’étais en train de parcourir un journal, mon fils me demande après avoir lu le mot « panafricanisme » : « Qu’est-ce que le panafricanisme ? » Ce terme échappe à toute définition évidente, je veux dire claire, nette et précise. Lors du 7ème congrès de ce mouvement panafricain réuni à Kampala, en Ouganda en 1994, les congressistes n’ont pu livrer une définition univoque. « Deux tendances [se sont affrontées] : celle inspirée de Kwame Nkrumah et des luttes de libération anti-impérialistes, l’autre, plus modérée, prônant une relation ‘’amicale’’ avec l’Occident ». Pour ma part, ne laissant place à aucune ambiguïté je choisirai naturellement la première, non sans relativiser l’importance accordée à l’anti- impérialisme. L’Afrique ne souffre plus du colonialisme mais de ses propres fils. (...) Le panafricanisme de Nkrumah et ses amis est « mort » et notre Afrique contemporaine continue de le tuer. Pour mieux te faire comprendre ce que je veux te dire, je voudrais que tu suives avec moi 3 idées fortes qui vont peut-être te convaincre ou te dégoûter, peu importe. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CRELAF (Cercle de Reflexion des Etudiants en Littératures Africaines), Département de Littératures Africaines, Université Omar Bongo, Gabo

Modelling environmental attitudes of the users of Kilombero Valley Wetlands, Tanzania

A

Determinants of access patterns to goods and services from wetlands in Tanzania and the impact on sustainable wetland management

Wetlands perform vital role in providing useful goods and services to mankind. Because of their importance, human beings interactions with the wetlands’ physical environment have caused some of them to be highly degraded. Due to characteristic nature of wetlands being a common pool resource (CPRs), most researchers claim their degradation to be a result of poor institutions governing the interactions. Wetlands in Tanzania are very useful especially, in areas where agriculture is most prevalent. High pressure to exploit fertile and moist land in those areas has caused wetlands to be highly degraded. This study focused on the rules and regulations governing the resources access from the wetlands using Kilombero Valley as a case study. The study used choice modelling to identify the determinants of the access patterns and their impacts on wetland sustainable management. The results showed that physical nature of resources and characteristics of the users such as location, income and education determine what type of access one chooses to accrue products and services from the wetlands. To ensure wetland sustainable management, the policy makers and conservationists should consider these factors in enacting rules and regulation which would govern human interactions in the wetlands. Payment for environmental services could be used to enhance such options

Gestion agro-environnementale pragmatique des sites industriels pollués : favoriser les services écosystémiques et la dynamique collective

►Introduction : Les activités de recyclage des métaux participent à l’économie circulaire, mais elles ont également engendré des pollutions historiques persistantes des sols. Désormais, les émissions industrielles sont très contrôlées (meilleures techniques disponibles) et les citoyens riverains des sites ICPE sont particulièrement attentifs aux risques environnementaux et sanitaires. Dans ce contexte, certains gestionnaires de sites ICPE, tels que la STCM adoptent une démarche proactive de gestion des pollutions historiques : ils anticipent la réglementation et mettent en œuvre des démarches participatives de gestion du site avec les différents acteurs concernés. L’objectif de cette communication est de présenter un projet de « phytoremédiation pragmatique » mené sur le site de Bazoches (proche Orléans) par l’entreprise STCM en collaboration avec un agriculteur riverain et l’Axe Transition Ecologique du CERTOP. ►Mise en œuvre du projet : Le site STCM de Bazoches a fait l’objet de plusieurs projets de recherche (Leveque, 2015 et Foucault, 2014). Un fort gradient de concentrations en métaux (Pb, Cd) et metalloïdes (As, Sb..) dans les sols de surface (30 cm) existe, depuis le mur d’enceinte de l’usine (40000 mgPb/kg sol) vers le chemin à 140m de distance (100 mgPb/kg sol au correspond au fond géochimique régional naturel) qui sépare la parcelle STCM d’une parcelle cultivée en différentes céréales (blé, orge…). Cette pollution historique des sols de surface a pour origine des retombées atmosphériques de particules riches en métaux et des épandages d’eaux usées pendant plusieurs années puisque l’usine a été implantée en 1967. Une très faible migration des polluants depuis le sol de surface vers les horizons plus profonds est observée (30 cm pour le Pb en 50 ans d’activité de l’usine). Mais, cette pollution historique a un impact sur l’écosystème sol (dynamique des matières organiques et de la faune du sol) et une pollution diffuse aux particules fines riches en polluants peut influencer la qualité des végétaux cultivés aux abords de ce site. Un projet de gestion agro-environnementale du site a démarré en 2016 : A) Le site concerné ne fait pas l’objet d’une pression foncière, il est donc possible dans un premier temps de tester l’efficience une étape de phytoextraction des polluants en exportant de façon systématique dans une « zone de stockage » les tontes de végétaux qui poussent sur le site dans la zone comprise entre 140 et 100m de distance de l’usine. Les observations de terrain ont en effet permis de constater la présence de syllénes, plantes hyperaccumulatrices des métaux bien implantées sur le site. Cette étape pourrait être effectuée pendant 3 ans avec un suivi annuel des concentrations dans les partis des végétaux récoltées et dans les sols à t=0 et t=3 ans. Les résidus de végétaux riches en métaux seront stockés dans une zone de compostage créée aux abords du mur d’enceinte puis le compost serait incorporé au sol de surface de la zone 100m-80m de distance à l’usine. Les objectifs visés par cette méthode à moindre coût et qui utilise des plantes endogènes qui ont démontré leur capacité à pousser sur le site sont : -Réduire progressivement la zone de contamination des sols de surface autour de l’usine par la phytoextraction des métaux. -Partir de la zone la moins polluée et progresser vers la zone la plus polluée permet l’utilisation sur le site du compost riche en métaux issus du compostage des tontes. Le sol de la zone 100-80 enrichi en matières organiques sera aussi plus propice ensuite à la pousse des végétaux et à la vie biologique du sol. Ensuite, selon les résultats il pourrait être décidé : -de cultiver si besoin des plantes plus performantes pour la phytoextraction. -d’utiliser des acides organiques pour favoriser la solubilité des polluants inorganiques dans une démarche de phytoextraction assistée. B) Des haies d’arbres ont été plantées à 140 de distance de l’usine (zone considérée comme non polluée) pour réduire les transferts de particules, rendre visible les limites de la parcelle…. Ces aménagements ont pour objectif de réduire à moindre coût les transferts de particules de sol pollués et d’intercepter les particules. Les arbres et/ou haies doivent être choisis en termes de hauteur, d’adaptation au climat. ►Conclusions & Perspectives : L'étude de la végétation sur les sols fortement pollués apporte des données importantes pour l'amélioration des techniques de phytoremédiation. De nombreux auteurs ont souligné que la prairie métallophyte illustre l’adaptation de l'écosystème aux perturbations anthropiques (Austruy, 2012). Par exemple, l’espèce pseudo métallophyte, Silene vulgaris a été observée sur le site de Bazoches ainsi que sur l'ancien site industriel d’Auzon en Haute-Loire (Auvergne, France) présentant une forte pollution des sols (As, Sb, Cd, Cu et Pb). Le projet scientifique décrit permettra de tester en conditions de terrain l’efficacité de remédiation des plantes endogènes et surtout de créer des synergies avec les acteurs riverains du site. Par ailleurs, la STCM envisage de développer d’autres projets de gestion volontaire de ses environs et effluents. Par exemple sur Toulouse, la mise en place d’une zone pédagogique de phytoextraction est en discussion. Le traitement des eaux usées de l’entreprise est désormais pour partie assuré grâce à un dispositif innovant « le tapis biosorbant » à base d’écorces développé par PearL (Limoges)

Prospective evaluation of artemether-lumefantrine for the treatment of non-falciparum and mixed-species malaria in Gabon

Background: The recommendation of artemisinin combination therapy (ACT) as first-line treatment for uncomplicated falciparum malaria is supported by a plethora of high quality clinical trials. However, their recommendation for the treatment of mixed-species malaria and the large-scale use for the treatment of non-falciparum malaria in endemic regions is based on anecdotal rather than systematic clinical evidence. Methods: This study prospectively observed the efficacy of artemether-lumefantrine for the treatment of uncomplicated non-falciparum or mixed-species malaria in two routine district hospitals in the Central African country of Gabon. Results: Forty patients suffering from uncomplicated Plasmodium malariae, Plasmodium ovale or mixed-species malaria (including Plasmodium falciparum) presenting at the hospital received artemether-lumefantrine treatment and were followed up. All evaluable patients (n = 38) showed an adequate clinical and parasitological response on Day 28 after oral treatment with artemether-lumefantrine (95% confidence interval: 0.91,1). All adverse events were of mild to moderate intensity and completely resolved by the end of study. Conclusions: This first systematic assessment of artemether-lumefantrine treatment for P. malariae, P. ovale and mixed-species malaria demonstrated a high cure rate of 100% and a favourable tolerability profile, and thus lends support to the practice of treating non-falciparum or mixed-species malaria, or all cases of malaria without definite species differentiation, with artemether-lumefantrine in Gabon. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT0072577

Can the Euro rival the United States dollar and become the world currency?

Due to the outstanding performance of the Euro since its advent, the public may wonder whether the Euro would, one day, replace the US dollar (USD) which has all along been a force to be reckoned with all around the world. By tracing the chain of contributions the USD (the United States of America) and the Euro (European Union) have made to the world economy in the past and at present, we hope to arrive at some conclusions. However, the paper will give primacy to predicting the future trends for them separately

Species and genotype diversity of Plasmodium in malaria patients from Gabon analysed by next generation sequencing

Background Six Plasmodium species are known to naturally infect humans. Mixed species infections occur regularly but morphological discrimination by microscopy is difficult and multiplicity of infection (MOI) can only be evaluated by molecular methods. This study investigated the complexity of Plasmodium infections in patients treated for microscopically detected non- falciparum or mixed species malaria in Gabon. Methods Ultra-deep sequencing of nucleus (18S rRNA), mitochondrion, and apicoplast encoded genes was used to evaluate Plasmodium species diversity and MOI in 46 symptomatic Gabonese patients with microscopically diagnosed non-falciparum or mixed species malaria. Results Deep sequencing revealed a large complexity of coinfections in patients with uncomplicated malaria, both on species and genotype levels. Mixed infections involved up to four parasite species (Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium malariae, Plasmodium ovale curtisi, and P. ovale wallikeri). Multiple genotypes from each species were determined from the asexual 18S rRNA gene. 17 of 46 samples (37%) harboured multiple genotypes of at least one Plasmodium species. The number of genotypes per sample (MOI) was highest in P. malariae (n = 4), followed by P. ovale curtisi (n = 3), P. ovale wallikeri (n = 3), and P. falciparum (n = 2). The highest combined genotype complexity in samples that contained mixed-species infections was seven. Conclusions Ultra- deep sequencing showed an unexpected breadth of Plasmodium species and within species diversity in clinical samples. MOI of P. ovale curtisi, P. ovale wallikeri and P. malariae infections were higher than anticipated and contribute significantly to the burden of malaria in Gabon

Zika virus in Gabon (Central Africa) - 2007 : a new threat from Aedes albopictus ?

Background Chikungunya and dengue viruses emerged in Gabon in 2007, with large outbreaks primarily affecting the capital Libreville and several northern towns. Both viruses subsequently spread to the south-east of the country, with new outbreaks occurring in 2010. The mosquito species Aedes albopictus, that was known as a secondary vector for both viruses, recently invaded the country and was the primary vector involved in the Gabonese outbreaks. We conducted a retrospective study of human sera and mosquitoes collected in Gabon from 2007 to 2010, in order to identify other circulating arboviruses. Methodology/Principal Findings Sample collections, including 4312 sera from patients presenting with painful febrile disease, and 4665 mosquitoes belonging to 9 species, split into 247 pools (including 137 pools of Aedes albopictus), were screened with molecular biology methods. Five human sera and two Aedes albopictus pools, all sampled in an urban setting during the 2007 outbreak, were positive for the flavivirus Zika (ZIKV). The ratio of Aedes albopictus pools positive for ZIKV was similar to that positive for dengue virus during the concomitant dengue outbreak suggesting similar mosquito infection rates and, presumably, underlying a human ZIKV outbreak. ZIKV sequences from the envelope and NS3 genes were amplified from a human serum sample. Phylogenetic analysis placed the Gabonese ZIKV at a basal position in the African lineage, pointing to ancestral genetic diversification and spread. Conclusions/Significance We provide the first direct evidence of human ZIKV infections in Gabon, and its first occurrence in the Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus. These data reveal an unusual natural life cycle for this virus, occurring in an urban environment, and potentially representing a new emerging threat due to this novel association with a highly invasive vector whose geographic range is still expanding across the globe. Author Summary Not previously considered an important human arboviral pathogen, the epidemic capacity of Zika virus (ZIKV, a dengue-related flavivirus) was revealed by the Micronesia outbreak in 2007, which affected about 5000 persons. Widely distributed throughout tropical areas of Asia and Africa, ZIKV is transmitted by a broad range of mosquito species, most of which are sylvatic or rural, Aedes aegypti, an anthropophilic and urban species, being considered the main ZIKV epidemic vector. In a context of emerging arbovirus infections (chikungunya (CHIKV) and dengue (DENV)) in Gabon since 2007, we conducted a retrospective study to detect other, related viruses. In samples collected during the concurrent CHIKV/DENV outbreaks that occurred in the capital city in 2007, we detected ZIKV in both humans and mosquitoes, and notably the Asian mosquito Aedes albopictus that recently invaded the country and was the main vector responsible for these outbreaks. We found that the Gabonese ZIKV strain belonged to the African lineage, and phylogenetic analysis suggested ancestral diversification and spread rather than recent introduction. These findings, showing for the first time epidemic ZIKV activity in an urban environment in Central Africa and the presence of ZIKV in the invasive mosquito Aedes albopictus, raise the possibility of a new emerging threat to human health

A historical and cultural analysis of the position of Abaluyia Women in Kenyan Quaker Christianity: 1902-1979

The Society of Friends has always declared the equality of women and men. The way in which it has practised this equality has often been influenced by the attitudes surrounding society and culture. This thesis examines and interprets the status, roles and experiences of Abaluyia women in the East Africa Yearly Meeting of Friends (EAYM). The thesis argues that the Abaluyia culture and philosophy prescribed a largely marginal role for women and in turn was absorbed into and dominated the thinking of EAYM. Second the thesis recaptures the story of the women concernedmaking them primary rather than secondary voices in their own history.The thesis begins by analysing how the concept of engoko determined the place and role of women in Abaluyia society. It then examines the American cultural, social and religious context out of which the Friends missionaries came and which invariably shaped their ways of understanding reality and organising their work in Kenya. The arrival of the first Friends missionaries in Kenya in 1902 aimed at raising the spiritual and living standards of the Abaluyia people, especially the women. Their experiences of Abaluyia culture and perceptions of the people is assessed, as well as the move to establish EAYM in 1946. A closer look is taken at the complex and interconnected issues of marriage (especially polygyny) and bride wealth. Missionary inability to grasp the issues involved allowed the Quaker elders to make policies which often reflected the patriarchal views of Abaluyia society. The thesis also examines the nature of mission work among Abaluyia women, and argues that much of the mission discussion about women was prescriptive, confining the ideal Abaluyia woman to her function as mother and homemaker. The discussion shows how missionaries assumed an ideal universal understanding of womanhood and how this affected Abaluyia women's roles in the church and in the wider society.The way in which Abaluyia women experienced and responded to Quaker Christianity is also assessed, especially how they formed separate groups which developed into a Women's Yearly Meeting. From their marginal position women emerged strongly to contribute to the work of a growing church. The thesis then proceeds to discuss the place of women in the organisational structure of EAYM.Using the cases of Maria Atiamuga and Keran Nyamusi Alfayo, the thesis argues that women have been sidelined from the leadership of EAYM because it reflects a traditional pattern of clan leadership which is exclusively male. Finally the thesis assesses the role of women in pastoral ministry by discussing the nature of training at Friends Bible Institute (FBI) and the type of ministry open to women. Using Rasoah Mutua, the first woman graduate from FBI, the thesis shows that the traditional Friends championing of spiritual equality for men and women in the church has not been realised in EAYM.The thesis concludes with a reflection on this disparity due to the persistence of engoko, and proposes a rediscovery of a Friends teaching in this respect, and the formulation of a new ethos in accordance with it to replace engoko

Loa loa Infection in Pregnant Women, Gabon

Loa loa, the African eye worm, is a filarial pathogen of Central African rainforest regions. As of 2013, it had affected an estimated 2–3 million persons in Central Africa (1,2). Adult worm migrations in humans may intermittently cause Calabar swelling, and microfilariae are commonly found in blood and body fluids. Loiasis is a chronic infection persisting for many years; a considerable proportion of women in loiasis-endemic regions are infected during gestation. To date, the epidemiology of loiasis in pregnant women has not been investigated, and the effects of loiasis on maternal and fetal health outcomes are unknown. We investigated the epidemiology of loiasis in a cohort of pregnant women participating in a drug trial for preventing malaria during pregnancy